Predicting the conformations of peptides and proteins in early evolution. A review article submitted to Biology Direct

Milner-White, E.J. and Russell, M. (2008) Predicting the conformations of peptides and proteins in early evolution. A review article submitted to Biology Direct. Biology Direct, 3(3), pp. 1-9. (doi: 10.1186/1745-6150-3-3)

Abstract

Considering that short, mainly heterochiral, polypeptides with a high glycine content are expected to have played a prominent role in evolution at the earliest stage of life before nucleic acids were available, we review recent knowledge about polypeptide three-dimensional structure to predict the types of conformations they would have adopted. The possible existence of such structures at this time leads to a consideration of their functional significance, and the consequences for the course of evolution.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Milner-White, Professor E
• Authors: Milner-White, E.J., and Russell, M.
• Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Biology Direct
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• ISSN: 1745-6150
• Copyright Holders: 2008 © Copyright BioMed Central
• First Published: First published in Biology Direct 3(3):1-9
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher